NG Army Exam study plan
NG Army Exam · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 7 hours per week
Drill and Ceremonies & Army Structure, Ranks, and Chain of Command
Memorize the individual drill movements for squad and platoon formations, including the commands that trigger each movement
Recite the sequence of a formal parade from assembly through pass in review, naming the command and the movement at each step
List the rank insignia and pay grades for enlisted, warrant officer, and officer ranks across all components
Trace a notional tasking from team leader up to division level, naming the command echelon at each hop
Perform stationary drill movements on your own time in front of a mirror and correct your own hand and foot placement
Your checkpoint
Record a 5-minute video or live demonstration of yourself executing five drill movements with correct commands, and submit a one-page rank insignia chart drawn from memory with no references
Drill and Ceremonies & Land Navigation and Map Reading
Execute a 90-degree and a 45-degree turn, a flank, and a column movement while calling the commands aloud in the correct cadence
Convert grid coordinates to a point on a map and back, using both a military grid reference system and a protractor
Determine a grid azimuth and a back azimuth for at least ten points using a lensatic compass and a map
Compute distance on a map using the scale and then pace count it on the ground to check your estimate
Explain the difference between true north, magnetic north, and grid north and apply the declination diagram correctly
Your checkpoint
Complete a self-made land navigation course of five points within a 1-kilometer area, plotting each point on a map and finding it on foot within 30 minutes total
Land Navigation and Map Reading & Weapons and Marksmanship Fundamentals
Identify terrain features on a map and match them to what you see on the ground for at least ten features
Explain the four fundamentals of marksmanship and demonstrate a steady position, natural point of aim, and breathing control in dry fire
Describe the cycle of operations of a service rifle and name the steps for immediate action and remedial action on a malfunction
Zero a rifle on a target at 25 meters using a supported position and record your shot group
State the weapon safety rules and the conditions of a weapon at all times
Your checkpoint
Produce a range card and a written zero record showing your 25-meter shot group, with a short note on what you changed to tighten it
Weapons and Marksmanship Fundamentals & First Aid and Combat Lifesaver Skills
Apply the four fundamentals of marksmanship while transitioning between prone, kneeling, and standing positions
Estimate range to a target using the front sight post method and mil relation and check your estimate against a known distance
Perform a primary survey on a casualty and open an airway, control bleeding with a tourniquet, and treat for shock
Describe the steps for a needle chest decompression and when it is indicated, and describe casualty evacuation priorities
Assemble and use the contents of an individual first aid kit under time pressure
Your checkpoint
Run a timed casualty care scenario on a training partner or mannequin covering tourniquet application, airway, and shock treatment in under 5 minutes, with a written checklist of every step you performed
First Aid and Combat Lifesaver Skills & Uniforms, Appearance, and Customs and Courtesies
Pack and wear the uniform correctly for a garrison and a field environment, including placement of insignia and name tapes
State the standards for hair, grooming, jewelry, and personal appearance and check yourself against them
Demonstrate the hand salute, reporting to an officer, and the correct response to colors and the national anthem
Explain the customs and courtesies expected at a dining facility, in a formation, and when entering a headquarters
Describe the combat lifesaver's role in the chain of care and the difference between tactical and non-tactical casualty care
Your checkpoint
Complete a self-inspection against the appearance standards, photograph the result, and write a one-page comparison of tactical versus non-tactical casualty care with your own examples
Military Justice and Standards of Conduct & Physical Fitness and Health
Explain the types of courts-martial, the rights of an accused, and the difference between nonjudicial punishment and a court-martial
Identify the categories of misconduct under the uniform code and describe the standards of conduct for handling detainees and property
Design a weekly physical training plan that meets the service fitness test events and schedule it into your calendar
Measure your baseline on each fitness test event and set a target score for week 8
Explain the principles of heat and cold injury prevention and hydration during field training
Your checkpoint
A written weekly training plan with a baseline fitness test score sheet and a target score for each event, plus a one-page summary of courts-martial types and the rights of an accused
Physical Fitness and Health & Communications and Radio Procedures
Execute a radio check and send a message using proper prowords, call signs, and phonetic alphabet without notes
Set up a field expedient antenna and explain how terrain and weather affect radio range
Describe the difference between a single-channel radio and a tactical network and when to use each
Complete a full physical training session at your planned intensity and log the results
Explain how to maintain communications security and what information should never be transmitted in the clear
Your checkpoint
A recorded radio transmission exercise in which you send a 10-line message using correct prowords and call signs, plus a log of your week's physical training sessions
Field Craft, Camouflage, and Survival & Drill and Ceremonies
Apply camouflage and concealment principles to a position and explain the six elements of a fighting position
Build a shelter and start a fire using field expedient materials and demonstrate water procurement and purification
Describe survival priorities and the steps for land navigation without a compass using the sun and stars
Review all drill movements and pass a self-administered drill evaluation covering the full set of commands
Take a full-length practice test across all ten domains and review every missed item
Your checkpoint
A full-length practice test score report with a written review of every missed item, plus a photo log of a built shelter and a camouflaged position
Milestones
Week 2: You can execute the core drill movements while calling commands and can plot and find a point on the ground from a grid coordinate without help
Week 4: You can zero a rifle, apply the fundamentals from three positions, and complete a timed casualty care scenario in under 5 minutes
Week 6: You can state the appearance standards and customs from memory and have a baseline fitness score with a written training plan
Week 8: You score at or above your target on a full-length practice test and can demonstrate drill, land navigation, and radio procedures without notes